Audi Opens UK Order Books For R8 Spyder, Prices Start At £129,900

UK customers are now able to place their order for the new R8 Spyder, the open-top version of Audi’s mid-engined supercar.

Powered by one of the last naturally-aspirated engines in the segment, the new Audi R8 Spyder offers one of the most exciting soundtracks you can currently get from a car of any price.

The 5.2-liter V10 produces 532hp (540PS) and 398lb ft (540Nm) of torque and is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch S Tronic transmission, making the topless R8 capable of a 197 mph (316 km/h) top speed and a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 3.6 seconds.

The lightweight and fully automated cloth hood can be activated at speeds up to 31mph and can be fully opened or closed in just 20 seconds. The rear window can be also retracted and extended on its own, regardless of the hood’s position at the touch of a button.

The platform incorporates a mix of aluminum and carbon fiber that helps to keep the dry weight down to 1612kg, with Audi claiming an increased torsional rigidity by over 50 per cent when compared to its predecessor.

Audi will also offer a Sport Plus Pack to those wishing for an even more exciting experience, which includes variable ratio dynamic steering, magnetic ride adaptive damping and an even louder sport exhaust with black exhaust tailpipes.

A new optional Bang & Olufsen Sound System is also available, featuring two loudspeakers mounted on each seat’s headrest for the best sound quality under any circumstance, including when driving with the roof off. The first UK deliveries are expected in late 2016.